Normally, when LEGO showcases a new release it falls into a previously announced line or theme of kits. Today, that isn’t the case. LEGO has announced that it will be debuting an entirely new line of more experimental products designed with older builders in mind. Deemed Forma, the series of kits starts off with a Technic kinetic fish sculpture. Head below for the all the info.
LEGO’s latest release, 81000 Koi Model, stacks up to 294 pieces. A series of printed pieces are joined by the Technic pieces which this brick-built fish is primarily composed of. These are what give the model the visual appearance of a fish and feature some pretty intricate designs.
The build consists of a display stand-like base paired with the brightly colored Koi fish. Just about all of the build is based around a Technic frame. The combination of gears, rods and other elements allows the sculpture to come to life. A small hand crank allows the fish to swim in place.
Considering it’s assembled from LEGO bricks, the kit’s movements are pretty life-like. The designer who crafted this creation definitely nailed the execution here. While the set would be a winner in my book just from aesthetics alone, the added functionality makes it that much better.
Alongside the base Koi skin, there are a few other printed patterns that you’ll be able to swap onto the Technic skeleton. There’s a fearsome shark and two other Koi fish variants.
This is definitely one of the more intriguing releases from LEGO. Not only in that the company is specifically focusing on an older demographic, but that LEGO has decided to release the kit on Indiegogo. Lego has several other lines of kits that I would say are tailored to a more adult audience like Architecture, Star Wars UCS and Creative Expert. So it makes sense that they are looking to expand the list. Many LEGO Ideas releases fit into this category as well, like the Ship in a Bottle.
Normally we cover crowdfunding campaigns with a bit of hesitancy. Given that we’re talking about LEGO here, I don’t really think that applies. The first LEGO Forma kit can be locked in for $45, with additional skin options increasing the price up to $85. No specific date has been given yet, but as of now the sets will be shipping come January 2019.
It isn’t exactly uncommon for well-established companies to use sites like Indiegogo or Kickstarter to gauge the interest of an upcoming product. But to see LEGO doing it is about as out of the ordinary as it gets. It does make sense that they’d want to see how popular the kit is before adjusting its supply chain. However taking to Indiegogo is just something I never thought I’d see.
With the Forma Koi model being an experimental kit, it’s hard to evaluate it in the same way as previously released sets. At roughly 300 pieces, it’s actually pretty solid buy at $45. The additional skins adding up to an extra $40 is a bit questionable. Though seeing how that’s optional, the extra customization options will be welcomed by many.
I’ve already backed the campaign, and am looking forward to seeing what else comes out of the LEGO Forma line in the future. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter at @9to5Toys.
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